MLA’s tour finding large public backlash as fares harm communities, families, and businesses

VICTORIA – People and businesses on the B.C. coast are paying a heavy price for Gordon Campbell’s privatization of the ferry fleet, according to a report released this week in Victoria by New Democrat ferries critic Gary Coons .
“The Campbell Liberal government has abandoned coastal communities,“ said Coons in his report. “Not only are skyrocketing fare increases hampering people’s ability to live in coastal communities, they are fundamentally unfair.”Gary Coons
Coons is half-way through a tour of coastal communities, where he’s been meeting stakeholders and hosting public forums. So far he has spoken to residents and business owners in 17 communities on Vancouver Island, the North Coast, Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast.
"Communities like Kuper Island are completely dependant on our ferries for buying food, clothing and medicine," said Coons. "Rising fares are making it extremely difficult for the people to live."
Coons started his tour in November, and he will continue visiting island and northern communities until March.
For details of Coons’ ferry tour or copies of the interim report, please visit www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/ferryfares

Gary Coons

North Coast

Gary Coons was re-elected as the MLA for the North Coast on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.